When it’s time for a deep clean, a DIY toilet repair, or toilet removal or replacement, you might want to drain the toilet bowl. Don’t let taking on this new activity drain your confidence. With this helpful guide, properly draining a toilet bowl is as easy as 1-2-3!
Emptying a Toilet Bowl the Easy Way
The process of draining a toilet bowl can be broken down into two stages: draining the tank and draining the bowl. This DIY hack is beginner-friendly—you won’t need any special tools or any specific plumbing knowledge to complete either of these steps.
Draining the Tank
STEP 1: Turning off the water supply is the first step of any DIY toilet project. This important step will save you from water damage and will prevent your toilet from refilling as you work. Locate the water supply valve, which can usually be found on the wall behind the toilet, and carefully turn the knob clockwise to shut off the water.
STEP 2: Now, remove the tank lid. Set the lid aside in a safe place. With the tank lid removed, you will be able to see into the tank to confirm when the water has completely drained.
STEP 3: Next, flush the toilet, which will cause the water to drain from the tank. With the water supply valve turned off, the toilet should not refill. If there are problems with the valve preventing the water from shutting off, you can drain the toilet bowl quickly by shutting off the main water supply to your house.
STEP 4: If needed, continue holding the flush handle down for a few extra seconds to ensure the water drains completely from the toilet tank. That’s it—the tank is now empty.
Pro tip: If your water supply valve is stuck, don’t force it! Apply WD-40 to the valve, wait a few minutes, and try turning it again. Repeat as needed.
Draining the Bowl
Items you’ll need:
Towels
Bucket
Sponge
STEP 1: To drain the toilet bowl properly, first follow the above steps to drain the tank.
STEP 2: Next, consider laying down some old towels. Even if you are careful, there may be some mess during this process.
STEP 3: Fill a bucket with a few gallons of water and pour it into the toilet bowl. Although it might seem illogical, pouring water into the bowl will cause it to drain. To prevent spillage, pour the water slowly at first, and then speed up as needed. You may need to quickly dump the remaining water into the bowl to finish the job.
STEP 4: Once your toilet bowl is fully drained, you’ll likely notice some residual water in the bowl. The easiest way to take care of the remaining water is by sopping it up with a sponge. Dry up the last of the water, and you’re all set—now that’s a job well flushed out!
Pro tip: Even after thoroughly draining the bowl, some water will stay in the toilet’s trap to prevent smelly sewer gases from entering your bathroom. If you need to remove this water ahead of a repair or toilet removal, you can siphon it out with a turkey baster or a wet/dry vacuum. We recommend a Shop-Vac!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Toilet Bowl Not Emptying When I Flush?
A low water level in the tank or a clog in the toilet can keep the bowl from emptying when you flush. Check out our other DIY guides on how to fix these issues.
Why Would I Need to Drain My Toilet Bowl?
There are a few reasons you’d want to drain your toilet bowl, including preparing for a deep cleaning, DIY toilet repairs, or toilet removal or replacement. By draining your toilet bowl first, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble as you take on these tasks. Nobody likes surprise toilet water spills!
Do I Need Any Special Tools to Drain a Toilet Bowl?
While you don’t need any specialized plumbing tools, it’s a good idea to have a sponge, a bucket, and some old towels on hand to make the process easier.
How Long Does It Take to Drain a Toilet Bowl?
With detailed instructions like the ones found in this guide, draining a toilet bowl is quick and easy. From start to finish, the entire process typically only takes a few minutes.
How Do I Find the Main Water Supply Valve in My House?
The main water supply valve can be located inside or outside your home. Inside, it is often found near where the main water line enters your house, like in a basement, crawl space, or room containing the water heater. Outside, you can typically find it near an exterior wall, in a utility box, or in the garage. You may also find the valve in a ground-level box at the edge of your property—these boxes are often metal or plastic and are sometimes marked with a “Water” label. When in doubt, you can call your water provider for help shutting off your water.
Our Final Opinion
Whether you’re deep cleaning the bathroom, replacing an old toilet, or making a quick repair, knowing how to drain a toilet bowl can make your life easier. As you can see, it’s a super simple process. Remember to follow the DIY plumber’s golden rule: Turn off the water before beginning your project! With our step-by-step instructions to guide you, you’ll make draining a toilet bowl look easy in no time.
